Wow, what a day

[dropanchorfor3]

What a day we had today, my kids and I after the beach went Marina Jacks and walked around the marina. We found a 50 foot catamaran, even foe sale. While the 2009 cat was way out of my price just looking at this thing up close gave me goose bumps.
I mean it was huge and so beautiful, then walked across the marina and talked to a very snobby owner of a 52 foot cat. The size is way to big for me but just looking at them up close made me think of my dream. I am going back to ask the dock master if he can recommend any good sailing schools.
Even looked at the monohulls anchored on the moorings and still got goose bumps. I had to share, I don't care if I seem childish with this, it jacked me up, big time.

[markpierce]

Marina walks are very dangerous because you might catch "the fever." That's what happened to me after last year's visit to Alaska. Because of this view, I purchased a recreational trawler:

[dropanchorfor3]

Great picture, I am totally bit, but taking my time. I didn't realize 50 footers were so big. My gf got me some books to start reading,1 sailing for dummies and the 2nd is called fast track to sailing by Steve and Doris Colgate. This one is very informative so far. I cant believe I'm saying this, but I sleep with this book. I wake up, boom I'm reading it. I need a life. LOL...

[Johnathon123]

Ummm drop anchor, what are you saying, that is a life!

[dropanchorfor3]

I'm just saying I go to bed reading sailing books and I wake up with the book. I think about what someday it will be like when I finally own one.

[imagine2frolic]

A structured lesson is the fast track to learning the skills of sailing. You will stil be learning decades later. Even if you sail weekly. Keep reading, and if you don't mind some blood, sweat, and tears along the way. Sailing can be an intoxicating, addictive, life.........i2f

[Unicorn Dreams]

Just as i2f quoted, and you should never stop learning.

Where are you looking for a school???

[boatman61]

Stick a note in the Marina notice board...
Crew available..
W/ends and holidays... inexperienced but keen to learn.
Booked for lessons but need more.... NOW
Call; CrazytoSail at Mob; ************

[dropanchorfor3]

I am looking around Sarasota, Bradenton, Florida area.

[Sand crab]

Drop, make sure to read Gragor Tarjans book, Catamarans The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors. It's the most current and spells everything out. BOB

[SkiprJohn]

Welcome to the fray!
We're all bitten by the bug. Its really hard to shake.
"Start Sailing Right!" is another great basic sailing book.
kind regards,

[dropanchorfor3]

That's all good stuff and I will get those books. I think this all like a drug, I want to learn more, I hope I can meet people at marinas with there sail boats and chat with them. The problem is we have so many snobs that most I have tried to talk with turn there back and say ask the dock master.
What ever it wont bring me down, I'm gonna finish the 2 books I have now and look for the other one you recommended. Then I will take the sailing school. I really want to learn the language and try to be as many steps ahead as I can befor I take the courses. What do you all think?

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by dropanchorfor3

I'm just saying I go to bed reading sailing books and I wake up with the book. I think about what someday it will be like when I finally own one.

One reason I posted this a few years back.

[CharleyAnna]

I would like to suggest this book "The Case For The Cruising Trimaran" by Jim Brown. It's the one that got me hooked. We now have our very own (affordable) Searunner and are moving forward with the dream!!! We will be able to go at least 3 years sooner, since we didn't choose a 6 figure cat.
Good luck, and do it!!!!

[DotDun]

Colgate has sailing schools in 3 locations around you, St. Pete, Captiva Island, and Ft. Myers.